by Ray Johnson | Mar 28, 2013 | Albariño, Alsace, Alto Adige, Andalucia, Barbera, Barbera d'Asti, Barolo, Bordeaux, California, Chardonnay, Cinsault, Dealcoholized, Fortified dessert, France, Gewurztraminer, Graves, Italy, Jerez, Madeira, Malmsey, Malvasia, Marlborough, Merlot, Napa County, Napa Valley, Nebbiolo, New Zealand, Palomino, Pessac-Leognan, Piemonte, Pinot Noir, Port, Portugal, Provence, Rosé, Russian River Valley, Sancerre, Sauternes, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Sherry, Sonoma County, South Africa, Spain, Tawny Port, Var, Vinho Verde, Western Cape
Staying ahead of flaws in the cellar and quantifying perceptual differences and consumer preferences are critical to a winery’s bottom line. Following our return from New Zealand, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Institute will partner with VESTA to again offer this...
by Ray Johnson | Mar 26, 2011 | Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, California, Merlot, Mudgee, New South Wales
This tour starts in California, moves to Bordeaux and finishes down under, featuring Merlot and both Cabernets. Redwood Creek, California, Merlot 2009 This is an easy-drinking quaffer, quite light, fruity and hinting at a bit of structure. Winemaker Cal Dennison....
by Ray Johnson | Aug 29, 2010 | Bordeaux, Bordeaux Clairet, France, Rosé
Chateau Haut-Colombier, Bordeaux Clairet 2009 This is a deeply-colored rose, approaching what you see in some Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. In the nose the fruit shines through with some earthy notes as well. In the mouth it is fruity and structured, in the way that you...
by Ray Johnson | Aug 7, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Sauternes, Semillon
Chateau Suduiraut, Sauternes 1er Cru 2005 The nose features lots of honey, a bit of straw, tropical fruit notes and appropriate volatility. In the mouth it is thick and rich, lemony, tempered by acidity and reminiscent of a spoonful of creme caramel – yum. This...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Late Harvest White, Semillon, White Dessert
Chateau Gravas, Sauternes 2008 The nose shows a nice sense of tropical fruit, honey and minerality. In the mouth you’ll find a light-bodied Sauternes, yet one that hits the profile, albeit without the concentration of the big guns – yet the price is...
by Ray Johnson | Jul 12, 2010 | Bordeaux, France, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon
Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux Blanc Sec, Le G de Chateau Guiraud 2007 The nose features straw, minerality, lanolin and stone fruit. There’s an evolved complexity that shows already. In the mouth there is a nice thread of acidity with the richness of candied...
